Kinsaul, Williamson to play in basketball game tonight in Montgomery

Straughn’s Katelyn Kinsaul and Jacie Williamson are ready for tonight’s North-South All-Star basketball game in Montgomery as a part of the Alabama All-Stars Sportsweek.

The Lady Tigers’ rising seniors will be playing with other top-notch athletes in the game, which will be held tonight at 6 at Alabama State University’s Oliver-Dunn Acadome.

Both girls have been busy these past few days practicing with their “new” teammates.

“I think that we’re getting ready right now and I think everything is going pretty smooth,” Kinsaul said. “We’re still learning each other and we’re trying to do the best we can.”

Williamson, a first-team Class 3A All-State selection and Player of the Year finalist, said she’s a bit “nervous” going into the game tonight, but is ready to play.

“I’ve enjoyed being here around all the other All-Stars,” Williamson said. “We’ve been working hard at practice with the time we get.”

Kinsaul said getting to know the team and making new friends, while hanging out when they can, have been her favorite parts of the week.

Kinsaul said practice has been mainly devoted to learning fast break and defenses under South squad coaches Jarvis Wilson of Mattie T. Blount, and Eric Bailey of Maplesville.

Being on a team with new teammates also means that said team will play against another team with unfamiliar talent.

Kinsaul said following what the coaches have taught all week is the main key.
“We don’t really know how they play,” she said. “You’ve got to run it like you can, up and down the floor.”

Williamson said it’s going to take a lot of will to get a victory tonight.
“We just have to work hard and play like we’re capable of,” Williamson said. “I think we have a great chance at doing something that hasn’t been done in a while.”

Kinsaul is the daughter of Brett and Sharon Kinsaul of Andalusia, and Williamson is the daughter of Jimmy and Kellie Williamson of the Heath Community.